I'm An Artist (Go to www.imanartistmovie.com for more info) I'm an Artist, is a film that tells the story of the often hidden children of our times-students with learning disabilities. (description and video from youtube.com)

What stood out most to me on the subject of art and special education was that many researchers have presented findings that show strong benefits for individuals faced with special needs/disabilities who engage in the creative process. I was given the strong impression that in many cases art serves as a therapeutic activity for those with disabilities. In the case of more controllable/treatable disabilities like autism and ADD/ADHD, art provides a product that is the result of self-control, of hard work, and great pride. Regularly these individuals face embarrassment, anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness associated to the difficulty they have keeping up in school, focusing on long-term tasks and goals etc. On the other hand, as one source put it, “there are no mistakes in art!” In turn art allows many people with special needs/disabilities to own a piece of their life, to experience success and take pride in something that they have put so much of themselves into.

The biggest thing I have taken away from this research is that people who may appear limited in their ability to achieve certain tasks due to long standing ignorance, stereotypes, and stigmas but the truth Is that they are able to achieve anything they put their heart into. This includes participating in artistic processes and creating unique, aesthetically appealing artwork that they have created on their own. In order for this to happen though any teacher or caregiver must be aware of a few things. First of all they should know that there is an extremely surprising number of companies that specialize in the design and distribution of tools and gadgets created to assist those with special needs and disabilities. These tools can be extremely useful in the classroom and in the teaching of these students however one should remember that each student, regardless of any aids or assistive technology is still a unique individual with unique needs that must be observed and reacted to. Without the one on one relationship between teacher and student in any setting students are less likely to achieve their full potential.

After having done this research on special needs and disabilities I still have one question on the topic. In many schools across the country students with disabilities are placed in classrooms some might refer too as “normal.” In this event U gave a hard time understanding how teachers of any subject could possibly make sure students with special needs get the personalized and appropriate moderations made to lessons and activities. Also, if this teacher is going to take the time needed to properly transmit instructions and information to some special needs students, what does this mean for the rest of the class? I am not saying that I am against inclusion but I think that in order to make inclusion truly successful we need to create classrooms where there are multiple teachers present with specialties in a diverse range of subjects. This would allow students to receive the kind of personalized, centered education all students’ need.